Garage Sale Day & Thrift Store Day: Finding Used Toys

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As National Garage Sale Day (August 10, 2024) and National Thrift Shop Day (August 17, 2024) approach, let’s take this opportunity to discuss finding used toys for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. As parents, we always look for ways to save money while providing their children with quality toys and essentials. While both options offer the opportunity to score great deals on gently used goods, some key differences may impact where you choose to shop. Lastly, when purchasing secondhand toys for your little ones, it is important to keep toy safety in mind.

Early Childhood Toys is an Amazon Affiliate Marketer offering recommended products for your child. I provide product links, and you click on those links to go to Amazon. Your purchase is through Amazon, not me. I will receive a small commission from Amazon, but rest assured, the price will never be increased for your purchase. 

Please message me if you have any questions or need assistance selecting items. I’m here to help as your guide.

My Facebook Group

Buy & Sell Used Toys

Post your gently used toys for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in our Facebook Group: Early Childhood Toys

Buy and Shop

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Finding Used Toys at Garage Sales

A garage sale, also known as a yard sale, is the perfect place to find gently used toys for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at a fraction of the cost of new ones. These sales provide a treasure trove of affordable toys and promote recyclability by giving these items a second life. These sales are typically run by individuals seeking to make some quick money and are short-term. They offer a variety of items such as kids’ clothes, musical instruments, board games, and even new items. Garage sales usually have lower prices and a wider selection of used toys. On the other hand, estate sales are typically run by businesses, and the prices tend to be higher. Estate sales often feature older items and antiques, which is why I tend to avoid them.”

While Saturday mornings are the most common time for yard and garage sales, the best selection is on Thursdays and Fridays when items are first put out for sale. The best deals are often available on rainy days and late Saturdays when sellers are eager to clear out their items. For resellers like me, I scope out the neighborhoods more likely to have newer items in better shape.  These neighborhoods tend just to want the items gone and will take a lower price for them. 

Finding Used Toys at Thrift Shops

Local thrift shops and consignment stores have similar ownership and similar items for sale. In the case of consignment, the store owner takes items from individuals to sell but does not own the items. Upon selling, the consignment owner keeps a percentage of the sale and gives the remaining amount to the individual who placed the item for sale. Both thrift shops and consignment stores are privately owned and have permanent locations. The items for sale in these shops come from different sources, including donations and low-cost retail items. Over the past decade, their liability insurance has risen. As a result, many of them will no longer accept children’s toys and furniture for sale or consignment. These stores are open year-round but not always on the weekends.

Salvation Army and Goodwill stores are corporate-owned charitable organizations and large institutions. Over the past decade, these organizations have been increasing their prices, so they no longer have the best deals. Many of them accept toys, but in my experience, the items are often incomplete, older, and not in good condition. Many garage sale owners donate their unsold items to these locations after their garage sale, so most of the quality items are gone. These organizations work best if you are looking to donate your used items. They often offer donation pickups for unwanted items for a good cause.

Flea markets are open to individuals and businesses who set up their items for sale. Some items are new, but many are used, and there are also antiques. I rarely find quality toys there, but I do sell toys at flea markets on occasion.

Finding Used Toys at Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, and Craigslist are great places to find gently used toys for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. While the prices are a bit higher than at garage sales, you have a better chance of finding exactly what you’re looking for. You might even find free items if you belong to a Buy Nothing Group. However, it’s important to note that with these groups, the expectation is that you will re-gift those given to you when you’re finished. You could risk being removed from the group if you resell them. 

Please take a look at my Early Childhood Toys Facebook Group. When writing this post, we have over 6.5K members selling used toys.  You are welcome to buy or sell your toys here.

My Facebook Group

Buy & Sell Used Toys

Post your gently used toys for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in our Facebook Group: Early Childhood Toys

Buy and Shop

Ensuring Toy Safety

First and foremost, always inspect the toys for any signs of damage or wear. When looking for toys at garage sales or thrift shops, check for broken parts, sharp edges, or loose pieces that could pose a choking hazard. Additionally, ensure the toys have not been recalled due to safety concerns. You can quickly check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website to see if any toys you consider purchasing have been recalled.

Toy Safety

When shopping for used toys, especially for young children, it is crucial to prioritize toy safety. Since these toys have been previously owned, there is a risk of them being damaged or containing potentially harmful materials. Here are some tips to ensure that the toys you purchase are safe for your little ones:

• 1. Inspect the toy for any signs of wear and tear, such as broken pieces, sharp edges, or loose parts. Make sure that all parts are securely attached and in good condition. Ensure that the toys are durable and can withstand rough play.
• 2. Check for any small parts or choking hazards, especially for infants and toddlers still putting toys in their mouths. Look for toys that are age-appropriate and do not pose a choking risk. The CPSC defines small toys as ones that are smaller than 1 1/4″ (3cm) by 2 1/4″ (6cm). 
• 3. Clean and sanitize the toy thoroughly before giving it to your child. Wash the toy thoroughly with a mild detergent and water, and then use a 10% bleach solution to kill any germs or bacteria on the surface.
• 4. Avoid toys that contain lead, phthalates, or other harmful chemicals. Look for labels indicating that the toy has been tested for safety and meets national safety standards. Avoid items made in China due to high levels of lead paint. 
• 5. Consider the type of material the toy is made of. Avoid toys made of soft plastics or PVC, as these materials may contain harmful chemicals that can leach out over time.
• By following these tips, you can ensure that the toys you purchase from garage sales and thrift stores are safe for your children to play with. Additionally, shopping at garage sales and thrift stores saves you money, helps reduce waste, and promotes sustainability by recycling and giving toys a second life.

By being mindful of toy safety when purchasing used toys for your little ones, you can ensure they have a safe and enjoyable playtime experience. Garage sales can be a treasure trove of beautiful toys for children, but it is important to exercise caution and diligence when selecting toys for your child.

Find out more about toy safety.

Developmentally Appropriate Toys

Finding toys that are age or developmentally appropriate for the child is also crucial. Make sure that the toys you are buying are suitable for your child’s age and developmental abilities. Learn more about Developmentally Appropriate Toys: What and Why are they Important? Then, find developmental milestones for your child by age on our home page.

Conclusion

National Garage Sale Day is on the second Saturday in August each year (August 10, 2024). It’s the perfect time to seek out great deals on toys for your kids. Start your day early to be one of the first to find those special toys. You can even use garage sale apps to plan your morning and see what items are available at each location.

National Thrift Store Day is coming up one week later, on August 17, 2024. It’s a fantastic opportunity for parents to discover affordable and gently used toys for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. By focusing on toy safety and following the tips mentioned above, you can ensure that your children can access high-quality toys while supporting sustainability and saving money.

Garage Sale Day and Thrift Shop Day are perfect ways to find gently used toys at affordable prices. Don’t forget to sort through your old toys and post them on our facebook group!

Happy Treasure Hunting!

Recommendations:

• Essential Toy Safety for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers. 
• Whole Child Education: What is the Approach to Teaching?
• Developmentally Appropriate Toys: What and Why are They Important?

I value your input and comments tremendously. Please let me know if I should include anything else in this STEM/STEAM Day for toddlers blog post!